Ocean Grove – Salvation Army Day 2023
SEPTEMBER 9 – 10 , 2023 – With great enthusiasm and anticipation , the men and women of the New York Staff Band met in early September for the first rehearsal of the band ’ s 2023-2024 season . It was a treat to welcome some new and returning faces to the band , such as Zack Hodgson on Flugel Horn , Caroline Wajda on 1st Cornet , and Major Tom Dressler on 2nd Cornet . There has also been some shifting around in the Cornet section , with James Dorce moving to the Solo Cornet bench and Jonathan George shifting to the Soprano Cornet chair . After hitting the ground running in our first Wednesday rehearsal , our first duty weekend had arrived .
The band met up at the Asbury Park Corps on Saturday afternoon for a mini retreat . It began with a rehearsal , where time was spent digging into the current major works of the repertoire ( Robert Redhead ’ s “ Corpus Christi ” & Peter Graham ’ s “ Renaissance ”) and preparing the items for Sunday ’ s worship service . After a stirring devotional thought from Major Phil Ferreira ( newly appointed as the Assistant Property Secretary of the NYSB ), Bandmaster Derek Lance shared his thoughts and reflections on what it means to be a member of the New York Staff Band . It all boiled down to one word with different facets : commitment . Commitment to our personal relationships with Jesus Christ , commitment to our local Corps , commitment to the other members of the band family and investing in their lives , commitment to the overall ministry of the band to share the Gospel to the best of its ability . This was followed by the band breaking up into sections and spending time praying over each other , which was one of the most meaningful aspects of the weekend to this reviewer . Later that evening , the band all met at the Robinson Ale House for dinner , fellowship , and entertainment .
The NYSB had an early morning on Sunday , as they were on duty at Ocean Grove ’ s aptly named “ Great Auditorium .” This is not the band ’ s first time on-duty for “ Salvation Army Day ” in the Auditorium , and it was a privilege to be joined by not only our territorial leaders , Commissioners William & Lorraine Bamford , but also the special guests of the day : Commissioners Mark & Sharon Tillsley . Commissioner Sharon read from John 14 : 8-14 while Commissioner Mark shared that greater things lie ahead if the Holy Spirit is allowed to minister to us , in us , and through us . The rain did not
deter people , both Salvationists and non- Salvationists alike , from hearing what the Lord had to say through both the ministry of the Commissioners and the band . Stirring renditions of Richard Phillips ’“ Be Still for the Presence of the Lord ” and Marcus Venables ’ new piece “ Concurrence ” were highlights of the morning . The meeting came to a rousing conclusion with the band , choir , and pipe organ leading the congregation in “ O Boundless Salvation .”
This uplifting weekend was a great way to commence the NYSB ’ s latest season . We look forward to seeing how God uses our efforts to bless and minister to all who hear us in due course .
THE SALVATION ARMY USA EAST FALL 2024 NYSB BULLETIN 3